Psychology is the perfect major for students who are fascinated by people, who want to understand why humans do what they do, and who care about making a difference in the world. Psychology prepares students to help people improve their lives and to contribute to our understanding of the human experience.
Our graduates have the tools they need to confront complex problems and present solutions that are both data driven and socially responsible. They often continue on to graduate work in psychology or related fields like social work or speech-language pathology. Those who go straight into careers find meaningful positions in settings such as social service agencies, schools, correctional facilities, and industry.
Major: Psychology
Minor: Psychology
Related Majors: Neuroscience
Related Minor: Neuroscience, Equine assisted therapy, Organizational Behavior, and Forensic Science
Academic Catalogue
At Wesleyan we place a high value on active learning through the experimental research process. All psychology majors complete at least one research project and many do additional research in professors’ labs as part of independent studies or in their senior seminar course. As a result, psychology majors not only learn about what others have done, but make their own contribution to the field. Students travel each year, accompanied by faculty members, to present their research at the annual meetings of the Southeastern Psychological Association and the Comparative Cognition Society. Psychology majors can make use of a human subjects lab complete with remote viewing equipment and DirectRT reaction time software. There is also an animal lab used for serial pattern learning research.
In addition to classroom instruction, psychology majors often benefit from experiences that occur within the community. Many psychology majors complete an internship at sites such as the local women’s Crisis Line and Safe House, The Methodist Home for Children and Youth, and Navicent Health. Additional volunteer experiences are available through Aunt Maggie’s Kitchen Table, a Saturday school program sponsored by Wesleyan’s Lane Center for Service and Leadership. Considering our broader community, psychology majors may join study abroad trips relevant to the field. Past offerings have included Drugs and Behavior (Amsterdam, the Netherlands) and the Neuroscience of Pleasure and Beauty (Rome, Italy).
A psychology degree prepares students for success in a variety of career settings. While some psychology majors go on to pursue a master's or doctorate, others find employment with a bachelor's degree in fields such as business or education. Regardless of their desired path, psychology majors are competitive for many jobs due to their strong critical thinking and communication skills.
With a bachelor's degree in psychology, students unlock many entry-level job opportunities in a variety of fields, including business, education, and healthcare. Within these fields, a graduate can work as a research analyst, marketing and advertising agent, or training and development specialist. While some psychology majors enter the workforce after earning their bachelor's degree, many go on to pursue a master's or doctoral degree. For the most lucrative careers in psychology, an advanced degree is usually required.
The 4+1 Graduate Bridge Program is open to Wesleyan students who have earned a cumulated grade-point average (GPA) of 3.00 or higher by the end of their junior year of study and have been accepted to the graduate program of their choice after completing the application requirements.
No one knows Wesleyan better than our alumnae who have experienced learning, living, and thriving at Wesleyan. Alumnae reflect on their experiences on campus and the impact on their lives through lifelong friendships to skills acquired on campus impacting their careers.
Alumnae quotes
A liberal arts education prepares you for your first job and your last. Wesleyan has a four-year plan to prepare students to make the connection between a liberal arts education and success in the workplace.
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Wesleyan offers 25 majors and 35 minors, including self-designed interdisciplinary studies, eight pre-professional programs and the bachelor of science in nursing and bachelor of fine arts degrees.
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Anna, a neuroscience and psychology double major, worked as an intern through the Summer Research Opportunity Program (offered by Rackham Graduate School at the University of Michigan) where she worked on the Michigan Study for Cognitive Aging and Diverse Elders. In a lab that works to characterize risk and protective factors for dementia in a racially and socioeconomically diverse sample of older adults, specifically those from minority or underrepresented groups.
"Throughout the summer I have learned so much about myself, the type of person I am and the kind of research I want to conduct. I knew I wanted to continue my education and ultimately earn a PhD in clinical psychology, and being here has opened my eyes to exactly what I am signing up for. Now I have a clearer picture of what my career and research paths will look like in the near future."
Stanford University, Yale University, Brandeis University, Emory University, Baylor University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Tufts University, University of Georgia, University of Wyoming, University of Michigan, Mercer University, Arizona State University.
Wesleyan College is privileged to steward many arts and cultural events and share them with the community. Most are free and open to the public. Wesleyan art galleries are open M-F 1-5PM and on Wesleyan Market Saturdays from 10AM-2PM.
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Wesleyan College is home to five NCAA Division III sports: soccer, basketball, volleyball, tennis, and softball. In addition, we offer an award-winning Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) Equestrian program.
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